Абстракт

Objectives: The objective of this study was to quantitatively compare the facial volume reduction efficacy of a novel dual-frequency (6.78 MHz and 2.0 MHz) monopolar radiofrequency (RF) device as a monotherapy versus its combination with High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU). We aimed to determine if the synergistic effect of these two modalities provides superior contouring outcomes, particularly in patients with significant soft tissue volume. Introduction: Non-surgical facial rejuvenation heavily relies on energy-based devices. While monopolar radiofrequency (RF) delivers excellent bulk heating for skin tightening, patients with progressive soft tissue laxity or significant facial volume often require deeper tissue remodeling. High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) addresses this by providing deep focal coagulation. Recently, a novel dual-frequency (6.78/2.0 MHz) monopolar RF device has been introduced. However, the long-term synergistic effects of combining this advanced RF technology with HIFU remain underexplored. Materials / method: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 29 patients with long-term follow-up data (>60 days post-treatment), divided into two groups: those treated with dual-frequency RF monotherapy (n=24) and those treated with a combination of dual-frequency RF and HIFU (n=5). Clinical outcomes were objectively assessed using the VECTRA 3D imaging system. The primary endpoint was the change in tissue volume (cc) at long-term follow-up (>60 days). Soft tissue volume was stratified to evaluate the effectiveness of each treatment protocol across different facial profiles. Results: At long-term follow-up, the mean reduction in lower face volume was -1.55 in the RF + HIFU combination group, compared to -1.42 in the RF monotherapy group. Furthermore, when stratified by soft tissue volume (using age ≥40 years), the monotherapy group showed a reduced mean volume change of -1.24, highlighting a more pronounced clinical benefit of adding HIFU in this demographic (-1.55). Preliminary data analysis indicated that while both protocols achieved visible tightening, the combination therapy group demonstrated a greater reduction in volume compared to the RF monotherapy group. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that although dual-frequency monopolar RF (6.78/2.0 MHz) is highly effective for skin tightening, the addition of HIFU enhances volumetric reduction at long-term follow-up. This synergy between "bulk heating" via dual-frequency RF and "focal coagulation" via HIFU offers a superior clinical solution for patients seeking aggressive facial contouring and volume reduction, especially for those with progressive soft tissue changes.